Fred Rogers said it best when he said, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” Mr. Rogers dedicated much of his life to the belief that children learn critical life skills through the medium of simple, child-driven, spontaneous play.
Play is also critical for adults. It’s how we connect in healthy relationships. It’s how we keep our brains healthy. It’s also a powerful antidote to all of the most difficult parts of adulthood.
Play Manifesto:
- Children need ample free time to play and engage in self-driven leisure pursuits. Kids who spend a lot of time playing grow up healthier, happier, and more intelligent than children whose time is rigidly scheduled.
- Play for adults is just as critical as play is for children. Blocking out time for engaging, playful pursuits will do more to improve an adult’s health, happiness and sense of fulfillment than making more money will.
- Children and adults who know their own family narratives (family stories) will be more resilient in the face of family adversity. Collecting and sharing family stories is a form of recreation that will become the glue that holds your family together.
- Married couples need regular, scheduled one-on-one dates to maintain a healthy relationship. They also need occasional mini-vacations without children. Date night is the most important appointment you keep all week.
- Annual family vacations are a must. They do not have to be expensive, but they do need to be planned well in advance and part of the family culture.
- Play and recreation are the solutions for parents or grandparents who want to develop relationships of trust with children.
- If you want to connect emotionally and build a strong friendship with neighbors, coworkers, or extended family members, making time for recreational get-togethers is powerful.
